“The Return of Daniel Ricciardo” – a fairy tale storyline we were all hoping and manifesting. It did come to fruition in the middle of 2024, earlier than Ricciardo himself was planning. However, perhaps it’s a storyline that is slowly and gradually becoming a nightmare. It, based on a personal opinion, could get even worse.

The Australian, despite impressing in the second half of the 2023 season, slipped up and gave Red Bull’s reserve driver Liam Lawson a chance in the big leagues. The New Zealander took that opportunity and how. He not only scored points in his last race but also was competitive throughout his five-race stint in F1.

On the other hand, Ricciardo has had a horrendous start to the 2024 season. He has been out-qualified by his teammate in all three races and hasn’t scored a single point as opposed to Yuki Tsunoda’s 4 after the Australian GP. This scenario has put his future in jeopardy as the Australian has been given an ultimatum according to reports. Adding insult to injury, the Dutch reporter Jack Plooij said he believes he will be replaced sooner rather than later.

As quoted by F1 Maximaal, Plooij confessed, “Yuki (Tsunoda, ed.) just steals the show there. Yuki qualifies better and races better. Ricciardo is an eight-time Grand Prix winner!” before assessing Liam Lawson can and very well will take Ricciardo’s spot.

Liam Lawson “Absolutely” Sure of Outperforming Daniel Ricciardo if Red Bull Signs Him

A concerning thought for Ricciardo as being replaced mid-season would be a difficult pill to swallow. However, sadly, this isn’t a one-off opinion either. Australian F1 legend Alan Jones believes the same.

Alan Jones believes Daniel Ricciardo is past his prime

The last Australian to win an F1 championship in 1980, Alan Jones recently commented on his fellow countryman. Ricciardo was, until recently, the strongest Australian contender to win a championship. He had the skill and the capabilities in the past. However, Jones now believes Ricciardo is past his prime.

“I hate to say it, but I think we have seen the best days (from Ricciardo),” said Jones. “He has had his bum in a few decent cars, irrespective of what people say. The Alpine or the McLaren, the car that he is in right now… at the end of the day he has got to start beating his teammate for a start. I would love him to become super competitive and be up there challenging in the points, but I just think that maybe a couple of things have got to change before we see that.“

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The Australian legend believes a few things need to change internally for Ricciardo to start proving his worth because at the moment, he isn’t. Perhaps that might be the reason why even Plooij believes he will lose his seat. Let’s hope Ricciardo can turn things around soon.